PBS removes preschool show host over videos
The PBS Kids Sprout network has fired the host of “The Good Night Show” after learning she had appeared in videos called “Technical Virgin.”
The host, Melanie Martinez, had alerted network officials about one of the videos late last week, and she was immediately taken off the air.
“PBS Kids Sprout has determined that the dialogue in this video is inappropriate for her role as a preschool program host and may undermine her character’s credibility with our audience,” said Sandy Wax, network president.
“The Good Night Show” airs three hours each evening, with soothing stories and cartoons designed to get an audience of 2- to 5-year-olds ready for bed. Each night, Martinez guides a puppet character into dreamland. Martinez is a stage actress and mother of a toddler.
In the two “Technical Virgin” videos -- made before she landed the children’s show job -- she spoofs public service announcements about how young women can keep their virginity.
PBS Kids Sprout airs programming 24 hours a day and is seen in about 20 million homes. “The Good Night Show” has been temporarily replaced by cartoons while a search is conducted for a new host.
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